Ejaculation (when semen is released from a man’s penis during sexual activity) 48 hours prior to the test can cause PSA (prostate-specific antigen) levels to rise temporarily, which may affect the test results.

Before having a PSA test to test for prostate cancer, men should not have ejaculated during the previous 48 hours.

Semen released during sexual activity can cause PSA (prostate-specific antigen) levels to rise temporarily, which may affect the test results.

For the same reason, before having a PSA test, men should not have:

exercised vigorously in the previous 48 hours

an active urinary infection (PSA may remain raised for many months)

had a prostate biopsy in the previous six weeks

What is PSA?

PSA is a protein made by a man's prostate gland (a small gland in the pelvis between the penis and bladder).

What are PSA tests?

PSA tests are used to measure the level of PSA in a man's blood. A raised level of PSA can be a sign of a prostate condition, such as: